Security increased for man charged with endangering woman

GOLD BEACH – A judge increased security for a 21-year-old Indiana man, charged with endangering a Brookings woman by having unprotected sex while he is HIV positive, to $1 million on Thursday after hearing reports the man intended to flee.

James Allen Propes was arrested on July 21 after the 26-year-old woman reported that she had a sexual relationship with Propes, and that he intentionally failed to inform her of his medical condition, which placed her at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Propes was appearing in Curry County Circuit Court for a pretrial conference with his attorney, John Spicer. Deputy District Attorney Jake Conde told the court that deputies had monitored a telephone call that Propes made.

“In that phone call, he indicated if he were let out of jail, he would not return. He would leave Curry County,” Conde said.

Judge Jesse Margolis immediately set the $1 million bail.

Meanwhile, Conde had filed an amended information adding a charge.

Propes is now charged with two counts of attempted assault in the first degree, stating that he had intentionally attempted to cause serious physical injury to the victim by means of a dangerous weapon – bodily fluids containing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Both incidents allegedly occurred on July 21. Those are Class A felonies.

Count three, alleges attempted assault in the second degree, charging that Propes unlawfully and recklessly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, attempt to cause serious physical injury to the victim by means of the HIV. That charge is a Class C felony.

He is also charged with two counts of recklessly endangering another person, both Class A misdemeanors.

During the investigation that led to Propes’ arrest, sheriff’s deputies located information indicating that Propes is wanted in Lawrence, Ind., for similar crimes alleged to have occurred earlier this year.

Lawrence Police advised the sheriff’s office that Propes is wanted there for failure to notify of HIV and felony intimidation. Lawrence Police also advised that Propes may have multiple additional victims.

The sheriff’s office is asking that all citizens having knowledge of other victims in Curry County to contact the sheriff’s office and provide that information. Anyone who has had sexual contact with Propes should consult with their physician or a public health office.